Poll: Most Canadians optimistic about job security this year

Toronto
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A new Labour Day survey shows the growing sanguinity of the Canadian workforce. As the summer ends and the everyday schedule begins again, employees have high hopes for their jobs and the company they work for.

As Labour Day approaches, the Bank of Montreal sought the opinions of Canadians and what they think about the company that employs them. The financial institution found there is a lot of optimism regarding the employment situations of many.

The poll suggested that close to two-thirds of workers are more positive about their job security compared to the same time a year ago. Meanwhile, 41 percent of respondents said they believe their company will be expanding and hiring, while 39 percent think they will get a promotion or a raise.

All of these figures are up between 11 and 13 percent from 2011.

“Over the past year we have seen an increasing number of companies show a willingness to look at how they can grow their business through making strategic investments in upgrading technology and processes, opening up new markets, and investing in their people," said Cathy Pin, Vice-President of BMO Commercial Banking, in a news release.

The provinces that were the most optimistic about job security were Manitoba and Saskatchewan with 81 percent. This was followed by Alberta (71 percent), Atlantic Canada (66 percent) and Ontario (63 percent).

Many business analysts are surprised by the results, especially considering the unemployment rate remains stagnant at 7.3 percent, employment in July declined by 30,000 and there is much uncertainty in the economy.

Despite the economic figures, the latest poll falls in line with a report released earlier this month that showed Canadian annual salaries are expected to rise on average by 2.9 percent. Employees working in the oil and gas, mining and chemicals sectors are believed to see their wages soar by as much as 3.9 percent.

The Pollara Strategic Insights online survey was conducted with 1,000 adult Canadians between Jul. 31 and Aug. 3. It contains a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.